как собственно в вашем тексте перевести - смотрите сами по вашему широкому контексту

Note also the related expression 'to be the first to blink', used when referring to very confrontational situations in which people (or countries) literally or figuratively confront each other face-to-face and very close-up. Here, if you're 'the first to blink', it means that you're the first to show you're frightened/the first to give in/the first to back down.

Is there an equivalent in Russian of 'to be the first to blink' -- or is it exactly the same as the English?

Натрикс, судя по этому высказыванию, Вам еще жить да жить )))

You don't need to understand the commentary, particularly: these sports commentators sound the same in all languages!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OvVjcVkn8vI

================

(John) Well, here we are. We're all set.
It's a capacity crowd. And we're ready for
the World Championship Stare-Out Final.
Joining me in the commentary box is David Joyce. Hello, David.

(David) Hello, John. Hello, everyone.

(John) Got a bet on Kampagnola yet?

(David) (laughs) Well, I wouldn't go that far.

(John) Let's have a look at both these finalists. First Alessandro Kampagnola, seeded 14th. It has to be said, a surprise finalist, not tipped by many to go all the way, but a great run of form
brought him to this stage.
And no fluke -- some big names have fallen to him,
most notably the No.6 seed,
India's Anan Nanak, in a classic semifinal.
And his opponent, the defending champion.
Well, just look at those statistics -
six times world champion. Hugely impressive.
And he's only 32, but he's already
among the all-time greats of this sport.

(David) Yes, some people are very surprised to find out he's only in his early thirties, but the concentration required at this level has obviously taken its toll
to some extent, John.

(John) He really does eat, drink and breathe staring.

(Woman) Come on, Siggy!

(PA [public address] system) Quiet, please.

(John) Well, that's the first idiot of the day.
No blinking, so it remains all square.
Let's go to the stare-cam
to see what Kampagnola has to deal with.

(David) Ho ho ho.

(John) Look at that. It's a fearsome sight.
Look at the level of concentration
in those eyes.

(David) Yes.

(John) I'm sure there's a part of the Italian
now saying, ''I've had enough of this. ''
But of course he can't afford
to think like that now.
I certainly wouldn't like
to be in his place, David.
What can Kampagnola do
to combat this attack?

(David) Oh, well, John, he'll be digging
very deep at the moment,
calling on all his resources
to combat this onslaught from Spatsky.
But he is holding up very well

Sorry to interrupt you, John.
I think Kampagnola's starting to sweat.
Yes, there it is. The pressure's starting
to get Kampagnola after nine minutes,
just as you were saying
how well he was holding up.

(David) Spatsky's gaining the initiative
and it will be important for Alessandro
to maintain his concentration.
He'll know he's behind,
but he's a gutsy campaigner,
and he certainly, I would think,
will have something left.

- Yes, there it is.

- (John) Yes, incredible, David.
Spatsky produced an attack from nowhere
when we were least expecting it.
Great example for any young people watching.
Well, it's not over yet, John. It'll be
interesting to see how Kampagnola responds.

(David) ....measures that have helped to curb this worrying problem of drugs in the game. I would guess that --

(John) David, I must stop you there. I think we're seeing some developments in the match.
Yes, some head movements
from Kampagnola.
Signs that his challenge
is beginning to weaken. He's in trouble.
And Kampagnola has started to sweat again.

(David) Yes.

(John) I think he'll know he's down.
The pressure really now beginning to tell.
And Spatsky just pummelling
Kampagnola into submission.
David, is there any way back for Kampagnola?

(David) He's certainly in trouble, John.
He's cracking under the pressure now.
Definite head movements.
I really can't see him pulling out of this.
He's weakening fast. He's all over the place!

(John) Spatsky pummelling the Italian into submission. Unrelenting, ruthless aggression from Spatsky.
He's tearing Kampagnola's
tattered defences apart.
Grinding his man down
and showing absolutely no mercy.
How much longer can this last?
Look how ungainly he looks now.
He's falling apart piece by piece.
You've got to have sympathy for the man.

(David) Credit must go to Spatsky. It's been
an honour to witness this spectacular match.
And a real master in Spatsky.
Such true quality.
Will this man ever be beaten?

(John) Look at him now. He's going down
fighting and the crowd are going wild.
There he goes. He's gone, he's gone!
Kampagnola blinks and it comes to an end.
It's all over.
Spatsky has retained his world title
in masterful fashion.
What a classic final this has been.